Lot #81: Vintage Brutalist Tribal Necklace – Natural Scleractinia Coral, Carved Bone, Ceramic

Magnificent, runway-scale vintage tribal-inspired statement necklace. This striking piece beautifully marries organic ocean treasures with handcrafted elements, creating a multi-textured composition that serves as a wearable work of art. The focal point of the piece is an extraordinary, large central disc of natural Scleractinia (star/honeycomb) coral skeleton, flanked by two matching organic coral cluster sections. The symmetry is balanced by an eclectic mix of textures: rich browny-red glazed ceramic beads, deeply fluted gold-tone brass spacer beads, smooth ivory-toned bone shafts, and meticulously detailed carved bone beads depicting miniature animal forms. Designed with a heavy, substantial drape, this high-drama piece exemplifies mid-to-late 20th-century maximalism and is a phenomenal addition to any serious costume jewelry or ethnographic collection. Material Rarity: Natural white reef coral specimens of this radial maturity are increasingly strictly monitored and rarely repurposed in modern commercial jewelry, elevating the value of estate-found vintage configurations. Artisanal Fusion: The intersection of distinct medium classifications—natural marine structures, folk-art hand-carving, and kiln-fired ceramic elements—signals a highly deliberate, custom-curated assembly rather than standard assembly-line manufacturing. Design Attribution: This piece is unbranded but fiercely characteristic of high-end 1970s–1980s studio jewelry or boutique runway pieces. Designers such as Miriam Haskell (famed for using textured organic shells and wood), Gerda Lynggaard for Monies, or high-fashion houses capitalizing on the "Safari/Global" trend frequently blended raw earth components with polished metals during this era. Pickup category timeslot {A}